OPEN LETTER TO THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
RE MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 15 MAY 2001: SABC INTERVIEW: YOURSELF
(18 May 2001)

Honourable Madam Speaker
House of Assembly
Parliament
Cape Town

Dear Madam

RE: MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 15 MAY 2001: SABC INTERVIEW: YOURSELF

In the seating of the House of Assembly on 15 May 2001, you said, "an open letter was addressed to me yesterday. Apart from being defamatory, this letter contains very serious allegations about my conduct as the Presiding Officer of this House, which is why I am referring it to you".

On the 16 May 2001, you said over the SAFM radio station, "speaking on SABC radio, Ginwala, said she has not accused Holomisa, of defaming her on the arms deal as defamation is not a Parliamentary offence".

We are preparing for next week's meeting which you have called to discuss my letter to you. In the light of the two statements uttered by yourself within a period of 24 hours, the UDM would like to get clarity as to which one of these statements will be used as a basis of investigating my open letter to you. This clarity is urgently required in order to prepare for your meeting on 22 May 2001.